Break-in at charity allotments

24th October 2011'Hemsworth has a green gym allotment, run by the charity BTCV, for the benefit of the community. Many people who help out have learning disabilities or are vulnerable, elderly or disabled etc. There has been a break-in at the allotment, with hundreds of pounds of tools stolen. The charity cannot afford the replace the tools.'Pictured L/R: Daniel Worth and Peter McHale.'PICTURE: MATTHEW PAGE

thieves stole hundreds of pounds worth of tools from a community allotment that helps vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Hemsworth.

Hand tools and gardening equipment - such as forks, rakes, spades and hosepipes - were stolen from the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) Green Gym plot at Sandygate Allotments, off Sandygate Lane, overnight last Monday.

The plot is run by the charity, with the help of local residents, including those with mental and physical disabilities and the elderly.

It is aimed at encouraging healthy eating and active lifestyles as well as improving the environment and breaking down social barriers.

Project supervisor Dave Condon said: “The allotment gate hadn’t been broken into but the shed had been forced open. They took all our gardening equipment, stuff we need to do our work on the allotment.

“The BTCV is a charity and we cannot afford to keep replacing things. We don’t have a value yet but it is probably a few hundred pounds.

“The allotment is a great benefit to vulnerable people who have special support needs. Nobody else was broken into that night, although they have been in the past. It is horrible.”

A police spokeswoman said: “We are aware that the allotment shed has been broken into. Officers carried out a search of the area at the time and are conducting high visibility patrols in the area. Enquiries are ongoing.”